Thomas Jefferson April 14th, 1743 in Shadwell Virginia- July 4th, 1826 in Albemarle County, Virginia Political Party: Democratic- Republican (Republican) Terms of Office: March 4th, 1801- March 4th, 1805 and March 4th 1805- March 4th, 1809 (two terms) Vice Presidents: Aaron Burr (1801-1805) and George Clinton (1805-1809)
The American Identity is unique. We are virtually unlike the establishment of any other country. What makes up our history and our past combines to form how people view us and how we view ourselves. During Jefferson’s presidency the relatively new country was still establishing itself as a future powerhouse and solidifying the government to remain a democracy. However, an imperative land transfer also took place during his presidency, The Louisiana Purchase. The Louisiana Purchase, occurring on April 30th, 1803, contained 828,800 square miles of land now present day Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and parts of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico, Texas, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Louisiana. It also covered New Orleans, a vital port used by the Americans to export and import goods. Napoleon Bonaparte, the then-current French leader, agreed to sell this property from France to The United States for approximately $15 million, or less than three cents per acre. This was due to Napoleon’s eagerness to sell the land for money in order to pay for the war against Britain. But, this sale was also influenced by the United States' fear of Spain and France accessing the port and closing it off to the States. Additionally with the French forces remaining within New Orleans, the US feared an impending attack and the French freeing the slaves. Therefore, Jefferson purchased it with the consent of the congress. Despite his original fears of it being unconstitutional (for land acquisition wasn't covered in the constitution), it nearly doubled the size of the United States' current land mass, allowed for a more easily navigated Mississippi, and provided more settlement. This altered the American identity because the United States grew immensely. Not only did it acquire more land, but several waterways we included providing for easily transportation of people and goods, connecting the American People. This ultimately allowed for the growth of the west into our remaining states. Additionally, it set the stage for westward expansion and provided the newly founded states with a plethora of natural resources, expanding their trade. However, it also greatly increased federal power, alarming some colonists at the time.
Despite the immensity of the Louisiana Purchase, other momentous episodes occurred that shaped the American identity, namely the Supreme Court case of Marbury vs. Madison. In this case, William Marbury was issued a commission as justice of the peace through John Adams however James Madison, the new secretary of state refused to acknowledge it. Marbury sued to get the commission. Throughout this trial, judicial review was established by Chief Justice John Marshall. This was the concept that the Supreme Court could declare an act unconstitutional and in violation of the constitution. This also gave the judicial branch more power, giving each branch of the government an equal amount of power creating the system of checks and balances. This case established the American Identity because it fine-tuned our government to prevent against any one branch taking over and consequently turning into a monarchy. Additionally, it redefined the concept of democracy, a word in which Americans past and present cherish and continue to value. This event has changed the thought process of Americans because it has allowed them to put more trust into the government and greatly decreases the chance of totalitarianism, a government ruled by one force. Overall, throughout Thomas Jefferson’s two terms as president, the American identity was discovered and created and remains an imperative part of our country today.
If Thomas Jefferson were to be ranked, given his past accomplishment and few downfalls he would receive a B+. This is due to his consent of the Louisiana Purchase, actions during the Barbary Wars, attempts to create a republican government, and setting a positive precedent for leaders to come. However, he did ratify the Non-importation Act of 1807, accept the Embargo Act of 1808, and impeach Samuel Chase for a simple remark.
Thomas Jefferson was born in 1743 in Albemarle County, Virginia. His father, a planter and a surveyor, and his mother, a Randolph, left him with over 5,000 acres of land and a relatively high social standing. He began his education at William and Mary and proceeded into the field of law. In 1772, he married Martha Wayles Skelton and they settled in his estate Monticello. Before his presidency, Jefferson was involved in the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Continental Congress most known for his ideas and writings, not public speaking. Additionally, he drafted the Declaration of Independence and a bill establishing religious freedom created in 1786. He also followed Benjamin Franklin as minister to France however resigned in 1793, holding the position for 8 years. As the country developed, two political parties took form, the Democratic-Republicans and Federalists and Jefferson soon assumed the head of the Republicans. As 1796 approached, Jefferson became a candidate for the upcoming presidency. Losing by three votes, he assumed the role of vice president. From 1797-1801 he worked under the leadership of John Adams.
Finally, in 1801, Jefferson had won the presidency and became the third president of the United States. Described in his inaugural address, his goals were to establish a frugal limited government, reduce the public debt, remain respectful to states rights, encourage farming and agriculture, have the government play only a limited part in the colonists’ lives, and remain a republican government. As for the frugal government, he began repealing taxes, cutting government costs, slowing military expenditures, and paying off public debt. He also eliminated taxes on slaves, houses, and whiskey, eliminating the need for federal tax collectors. The army was reduced to 3,000 soldiers and 172 officers and only three embassies remained; Spain, France, and Britain. Thus, the public debt could be reduced while cutting the government's unneeded costs. To increase agriculture, Jefferson persuaded congress to cut the price of public land, extend the option of credit, and decrease the required age of residency to buy land from fourteen to five years. The most prominent goal in his propaganda was to decrease the federalist's power within the government. This is due to his anti- federalist background. Prior to him entering office, congress was dominated by federalists and he set out to change the federalist majority within the government. Five days before his inauguration, congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1801, in which 16 new judicial positions were created and Adams filled with federalists. Much to Jefferson's dismay, this delayed his chances of naming a new Supreme Court justice. Jefferson was angered and the case of Marbury vs. Madison soon arose. The principal of judicial review arose from this case; however Jefferson's attempts at repealing this failed. Throughout his presidency, he continued to attempt to weaken the federalists' power. Over the course of his first term, the Barbury Wars also occurred. This four year war against Tripoli and America was due to Jefferson's unwillingness to pay a tribute to the pirates there. However, America won the war and the conflict was resolved. Additionally, the Louisiana Purchase was made and the Lewis and Clark Expedition began. Overall, he succeeded in most of these goals. However, some say his drive to create a republican government failed in the end despite renouncing the army, navy, and taxes. He feared, like others, the central government would transform into a tyrannical monarchy much like Britain so he did everything in his power to prevent that. In Jefferson's second term, his goals were much the same. This address was littered with more of an emphasis on domestic and foreign affairs and states America's plan to remain neutral in foreign affairs. During his second term, he created the Embargo Act of 1807 and the Non-intercourse Act of 1809 in order to follow and reach these goals. His second term was somewhat more of a failure than his previous for both of these acts only sent the American economy into a downward spiral and angered the people.
Overall, Jefferson's relationship with congress during his first term was quite successful. During the beginning of his terms within the 6th and 7th congress the federalist majority was overwhelming. But, the 8th congress beginning in 1803 had a Republican majority and the 9th and 10th continued this pattern throughout Jefferson's presidency. Because Jefferson was a Democratic-Republican, it was easy to gain support in congress later in his presidency. Working alongside congress, Jefferson restored freedom of the press, scaled down the army, ended internal taxes, and began paying off the national debt. This was due to the fact as previously stated that after Jefferson's victory, the Democratic - Republican Party had the stronghold in both the US Senate with 25 out of 34 seats occupied by Republicans and the House of Representatives with 103 out of 142 house seats occupied by Republicans. But, the Federalists did keep the majority in the Supreme Court. The most dominant character, Samuel Chase, spoke out against Jefferson publically and Jefferson had him impeached. Chase to this day was the only justice impeached by congress. However, during his second term his control on congress weakened even thought the republican majority remained as the republicans fought amongst themselves. This reached a peak when former republican leader John Randolph and former vice-president Aaron Burr attempted a revolt in the west. But, Jefferson quelled this and regained control of congress. Jefferson's control over congress was shown when he suggested congress pass an act prohibiting all American ships from departing into a port. Less than a year later, the Embargo Act of 1807 was passed. Following the Non-Importation Act of 1806, it placed an embargo on all ships under United States jurisdiction and prohibited ships from traveling to foreign ports. Although this act severely backfired and hurt the newly developed US economy instead of the French and British, it shows Jefferson's power over congress. Despite it avoiding war, it provided nothing else, so congress and Jefferson eventually repealed this act along with the Non-importation Act of 1806.
The action of the president and his administration that had the most positive outcome was the Louisiana Purchase. As previously stated, it nearly doubled the size of the United States. Despite being controversial at first due to a debate over the constitutional ability of the president to do so, he carried on and purchased 828,800 square miles from France. This was the most positive decision made because it had the most long lasting effect. It provided the United States with the majority of the states it has today and at the time allowed for westward expansion into undeveloped land. The decision Jefferson's administration made that most negatively impacted the US was the Non-Importation Act of 1806 followed by the Embargo Act of 1807. The Non-Importation Act of 1806 was an act passed by congress and backed by Jefferson that banned all imports from Britain. It was created to force the British to accept American demands prior to the War of 1812 about American sovereignty on the seas. This was Jefferson's first attempt to respond economically instead of with military force to British actions. This was shortly followed by the embargo act which did generally the same accept included France in the ban. Instead of France and Britain realizing the need they had for America and their raw materials, it caused America's young economy to falter and crash. Because America was newly independent, neither of these empire-like nations had a heavy reliance on them, causing the act to fail. These acts were later to be suspended then again implimented when Britain attacked the USS Chesapeake.
The Jefferson administration left behind a legacy like all past presidential cabinets. This was increasingly prominent within the earlier president for the new country was relatively impressionable and contained no precedent to follow. This legacy left an impact on both the future administrations to come and future generations of Americans. One of the most impressionable decisions was the act passed that prohibited the importation of slaves. First drafted in March of 1807, it took effect in January of 1808 allowing the southern states time to adjust. It made any slave trade from America to any country and vice versa illegal however, the buying and selling of slaves within America was legal. Found guilty of this and you could receive the death penalty. This law was the first in a dozen in an attempt to weaken America's need for slaves and divert the conflict of morale between the north and south. It was the first step in order to completely rid the country of the imprisonment of slaves. This foreshadowed the future in which the country would be split in half, one side pro-slavery and the other anti--slavery. This clearly left an impact because it led to the Civil War and the 13th amendment to the constitution.
The country was better off after the two terms Thomas Jefferson served, thus his grade of a B+. This was highly due to the expansion of the United States, successfully avoiding a British alliance and war against the French. Additionally, his administration took the first step in the outlawing of slavery and prevented any future tyrannical takeovers by solidifying the system of checks and balances. However, as previously stated Jefferson did create and pass the Non-Importation Act of 1806 and following that disastrous act proceeded to create one exactly the same, the Embargo Act of 1807. Also, rumors of him having an affair with an enslaved black woman rose up throughout his presidency although he denied them all. This goes against the high morale a president is supposed to retain and show. When Jefferson first took office, the country was as still growing and young and with his leadership, he maintained the unity of the thirteen states while allowing them to take individual initiative to develop.
April 14th, 1743 in Shadwell Virginia- July 4th, 1826 in Albemarle County, Virginia
Political Party: Democratic- Republican (Republican)
Terms of Office: March 4th, 1801- March 4th, 1805 and March 4th 1805- March 4th, 1809 (two terms)
Vice Presidents: Aaron Burr (1801-1805) and George Clinton (1805-1809)
The American Identity is unique. We are virtually unlike the establishment of any other country. What makes up our history and our past combines to form how people view us and how we view ourselves. During Jefferson’s presidency the relatively new country was still establishing itself as a future powerhouse and solidifying the government to remain a democracy. However, an imperative land transfer also took place during his presidency, The Louisiana Purchase. The Louisiana Purchase, occurring on April 30th, 1803, contained 828,800 square miles of land now present day Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and parts of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico, Texas, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Louisiana. It also covered New Orleans, a vital port used by the Americans to export and import goods. Napoleon Bonaparte, the then-current French leader, agreed to sell this property from France to The United States for approximately $15 million, or less than three cents per acre. This was due to Napoleon’s eagerness to sell the land for money in order to pay for the war against Britain. But, this sale was also influenced by the United States' fear of Spain and France accessing the port and closing it off to the States. Additionally with the French forces remaining within New Orleans, the US feared an impending attack and the French freeing the slaves. Therefore, Jefferson purchased it with the consent of the congress. Despite his original fears of it being unconstitutional (for land acquisition wasn't covered in the constitution), it nearly doubled the size of the United States' current land mass, allowed for a more easily navigated Mississippi, and provided more settlement. This altered the American identity because the United States grew immensely. Not only did it acquire more land, but several waterways we included providing for easily transportation of people and goods, connecting the American People. This ultimately allowed for the growth of the west into our remaining states. Additionally, it set the stage for westward expansion and provided the newly founded states with a plethora of natural resources, expanding their trade. However, it also greatly increased federal power, alarming some colonists at the time.
Despite the immensity of the Louisiana Purchase, other momentous episodes occurred that shaped the American identity, namely the Supreme Court case of Marbury vs. Madison. In this case, William Marbury was issued a commission as justice of the peace through John Adams however James Madison, the new secretary of state refused to acknowledge it. Marbury sued to get the commission. Throughout this trial, judicial review was established by Chief Justice John Marshall. This was the concept that the Supreme Court could declare an act unconstitutional and in violation of the constitution. This also gave the judicial branch more power, giving each branch of the government an equal amount of power creating the system of checks and balances. This case established the American Identity because it fine-tuned our government to prevent against any one branch taking over and consequently turning into a monarchy. Additionally, it redefined the concept of democracy, a word in which Americans past and present cherish and continue to value. This event has changed the thought process of Americans because it has allowed them to put more trust into the government and greatly decreases the chance of totalitarianism, a government ruled by one force. Overall, throughout Thomas Jefferson’s two terms as president, the American identity was discovered and created and remains an imperative part of our country today.
If Thomas Jefferson were to be ranked, given his past accomplishment and few downfalls he would receive a B+. This is due to his consent of the Louisiana Purchase, actions during the Barbary Wars, attempts to create a republican government, and setting a positive precedent for leaders to come. However, he did ratify the Non-importation Act of 1807, accept the Embargo Act of 1808, and impeach Samuel Chase for a simple remark.
Thomas Jefferson was born in 1743 in Albemarle County, Virginia. His father, a planter and a surveyor, and his mother, a Randolph, left him with over 5,000 acres of land and a relatively high social standing. He began his education at William and Mary and proceeded into the field of law. In 1772, he married Martha Wayles Skelton and they settled in his estate Monticello. Before his presidency, Jefferson was involved in the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Continental Congress most known for his ideas and writings, not public speaking. Additionally, he drafted the Declaration of Independence and a bill establishing religious freedom created in 1786. He also followed Benjamin Franklin as minister to France however resigned in 1793, holding the position for 8 years. As the country developed, two political parties took form, the Democratic-Republicans and Federalists and Jefferson soon assumed the head of the Republicans. As 1796 approached, Jefferson became a candidate for the upcoming presidency. Losing by three votes, he assumed the role of vice president. From 1797-1801 he worked under the leadership of John Adams.
Finally, in 1801, Jefferson had won the presidency and became the third president of the United States. Described in his inaugural address, his goals were to establish a frugal limited government, reduce the public debt, remain respectful to states rights, encourage farming and agriculture, have the government play only a limited part in the colonists’ lives, and remain a republican government. As for the frugal government, he began repealing taxes, cutting government costs, slowing military expenditures, and paying off public debt. He also eliminated taxes on slaves, houses, and whiskey, eliminating the need for federal tax collectors. The army was reduced to 3,000 soldiers and 172 officers and only three embassies remained; Spain, France, and Britain. Thus, the public debt could be reduced while cutting the government's unneeded costs. To increase agriculture, Jefferson persuaded congress to cut the price of public land, extend the option of credit, and decrease the required age of residency to buy land from fourteen to five years. The most prominent goal in his propaganda was to decrease the federalist's power within the government. This is due to his anti- federalist background. Prior to him entering office, congress was dominated by federalists and he set out to change the federalist majority within the government. Five days before his inauguration, congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1801, in which 16 new judicial positions were created and Adams filled with federalists. Much to Jefferson's dismay, this delayed his chances of naming a new Supreme Court justice. Jefferson was angered and the case of Marbury vs. Madison soon arose. The principal of judicial review arose from this case; however Jefferson's attempts at repealing this failed. Throughout his presidency, he continued to attempt to weaken the federalists' power. Over the course of his first term, the Barbury Wars also occurred. This four year war against Tripoli and America was due to Jefferson's unwillingness to pay a tribute to the pirates there. However, America won the war and the conflict was resolved. Additionally, the Louisiana Purchase was made and the Lewis and Clark Expedition began. Overall, he succeeded in most of these goals. However, some say his drive to create a republican government failed in the end despite renouncing the army, navy, and taxes. He feared, like others, the central government would transform into a tyrannical monarchy much like Britain so he did everything in his power to prevent that. In Jefferson's second term, his goals were much the same. This address was littered with more of an emphasis on domestic and foreign affairs and states America's plan to remain neutral in foreign affairs. During his second term, he created the Embargo Act of 1807 and the Non-intercourse Act of 1809 in order to follow and reach these goals. His second term was somewhat more of a failure than his previous for both of these acts only sent the American economy into a downward spiral and angered the people.
Overall, Jefferson's relationship with congress during his first term was quite successful. During the beginning of his terms within the 6th and 7th congress the federalist majority was overwhelming. But, the 8th congress beginning in 1803 had a Republican majority and the 9th and 10th continued this pattern throughout Jefferson's presidency. Because Jefferson was a Democratic-Republican, it was easy to gain support in congress later in his presidency. Working alongside congress, Jefferson restored freedom of the press, scaled down the army, ended internal taxes, and began paying off the national debt. This was due to the fact as previously stated that after Jefferson's victory, the Democratic - Republican Party had the stronghold in both the US Senate with 25 out of 34 seats occupied by Republicans and the House of Representatives with 103 out of 142 house seats occupied by Republicans. But, the Federalists did keep the majority in the Supreme Court. The most dominant character, Samuel Chase, spoke out against Jefferson publically and Jefferson had him impeached. Chase to this day was the only justice impeached by congress. However, during his second term his control on congress weakened even thought the republican majority remained as the republicans fought amongst themselves. This reached a peak when former republican leader John Randolph and former vice-president Aaron Burr attempted a revolt in the west. But, Jefferson quelled this and regained control of congress. Jefferson's control over congress was shown when he suggested congress pass an act prohibiting all American ships from departing into a port. Less than a year later, the Embargo Act of 1807 was passed. Following the Non-Importation Act of 1806, it placed an embargo on all ships under United States jurisdiction and prohibited ships from traveling to foreign ports. Although this act severely backfired and hurt the newly developed US economy instead of the French and British, it shows Jefferson's power over congress. Despite it avoiding war, it provided nothing else, so congress and Jefferson eventually repealed this act along with the Non-importation Act of 1806.
The action of the president and his administration that had the most positive outcome was the Louisiana Purchase. As previously stated, it nearly doubled the size of the United States. Despite being controversial at first due to a debate over the constitutional ability of the president to do so, he carried on and purchased 828,800 square miles from France. This was the most positive decision made because it had the most long lasting effect. It provided the United States with the majority of the states it has today and at the time allowed for westward expansion into undeveloped land. The decision Jefferson's administration made that most negatively impacted the US was the Non-Importation Act of 1806 followed by the Embargo Act of 1807. The Non-Importation Act of 1806 was an act passed by congress and backed by Jefferson that banned all imports from Britain. It was created to force the British to accept American demands prior to the War of 1812 about American sovereignty on the seas. This was Jefferson's first attempt to respond economically instead of with military force to British actions. This was shortly followed by the embargo act which did generally the same accept included France in the ban. Instead of France and Britain realizing the need they had for America and their raw materials, it caused America's young economy to falter and crash. Because America was newly independent, neither of these empire-like nations had a heavy reliance on them, causing the act to fail. These acts were later to be suspended then again implimented when Britain attacked the USS Chesapeake.
The Jefferson administration left behind a legacy like all past presidential cabinets. This was increasingly prominent within the earlier president for the new country was relatively impressionable and contained no precedent to follow. This legacy left an impact on both the future administrations to come and future generations of Americans. One of the most impressionable decisions was the act passed that prohibited the importation of slaves. First drafted in March of 1807, it took effect in January of 1808 allowing the southern states time to adjust. It made any slave trade from America to any country and vice versa illegal however, the buying and selling of slaves within America was legal. Found guilty of this and you could receive the death penalty. This law was the first in a dozen in an attempt to weaken America's need for slaves and divert the conflict of morale between the north and south. It was the first step in order to completely rid the country of the imprisonment of slaves. This foreshadowed the future in which the country would be split in half, one side pro-slavery and the other anti--slavery. This clearly left an impact because it led to the Civil War and the 13th amendment to the constitution.
The country was better off after the two terms Thomas Jefferson served, thus his grade of a B+. This was highly due to the expansion of the United States, successfully avoiding a British alliance and war against the French. Additionally, his administration took the first step in the outlawing of slavery and prevented any future tyrannical takeovers by solidifying the system of checks and balances. However, as previously stated Jefferson did create and pass the Non-Importation Act of 1806 and following that disastrous act proceeded to create one exactly the same, the Embargo Act of 1807. Also, rumors of him having an affair with an enslaved black woman rose up throughout his presidency although he denied them all. This goes against the high morale a president is supposed to retain and show. When Jefferson first took office, the country was as still growing and young and with his leadership, he maintained the unity of the thirteen states while allowing them to take individual initiative to develop.
Works Cited
"Jefferson in Power." Digital History. 13 Sept. 2011. Web. 13 Sept. 2011. <http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/database/article_display.cfm?HHID=14>.
"Louisiana Purchase." Gateway New Orleans. Web. 13 Sept. 2011. <http://www.gatewayno.com/history/LaPurchase.html>.
"Thomas Jefferson Biography - Life, Family, Death, History, Wife, Young, Son, Old, Information, Born, College." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Advameg Inc., 4 Sept. 2011. Web. 13 Sept. 2011. <http://www.notablebiographies.com/Ho-Jo/Jefferson-Thomas.html>.
"Thomas Jefferson." The White House. Web. 13 Sept. 2011. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/thomasjefferson>.
"Westward Expansion: The Louisiana Purchase [ushistory.org]." Ushistory.org. Web. 13 Sept. 2011. <http://www.ushistory.org/us/20c.asp>.